The artwork titled “Fairy tale of the Dwarf,” created by artist Paul Klee in 1925, is a mythological painting rendered in watercolor on cardboard. It stands as an example of Expressionism, measuring 35.4 cm in height by 43.4 cm in width. Currently, it is held in a private collection.
The artwork itself portrays what appears to be a fantastical narrative set within a circular vignette that dominates the composition. Rich, earthy tones and textures create a dreamlike backdrop, with hints of red lending warmth to the scene. Central to the artwork are figures that suggest characters from a fairy tale, with simplified, almost childlike forms that are typical of Klee’s style. Geometric shapes and patterns interweave throughout the work, evoking a tapestry of images and lending a mystical quality that invites the viewer to decipher its symbolic language. The border around the central circle creates a sense of enclosure, focusing the gaze on the storytelling unfolding within. Klee’s signature and the date can be discerned, anchoring the piece in its historical context. The overall mood is one of enchantment, characteristic of Klee’s exploration into the realm of the imagination and the subconscious.
